"We didn't talk about Parliament. It was just two guys having a catch."

--R.A. Dickey on his conversation with Prince Harry, who threw out the first pitch at the Mets' game Saturday. Harry, 25, is the youngest son of Charles, Prince of Wales, and the late Diana, Princess of Wales.
(New York Post)

"I started soccer and baseball at the same time, when I was about 5 years old. We won the state cup when I was 13, winning shootouts in the quarters, semifinals and finals. That was amazing."

--Ian Stewart, Rockies' third baseman, who grew up as an elite soccer player in Orange County, Calif.
(The Denver Post)

"Anytime you can get in there and get a feel again and get some at-bats, you like it. I also understand the side of it that look, you're not 22 years old anymore, and he's the manager and he's looking out for me. If he writes my name in there, I'm in there. That's how I prepare myself every day. When I get up in the morning, I am ready to play. Then if I'm not, it's, 'OK, I'm pinch-hitting.' It's been good."

--Jim Thome on his preparation as a role player for the Twins.
(MLB.com)

"You can only deal with what's in your hands and what's in your control. I just want to continue to throw with success like I've been doing. I'm here, and I just want to continue with what I've been doing, and hopefully that will translate into a large stint up here."

--Erik Treets, White Sox relief pitcher, on doing whatever the White Sox need during his stay with the club.
(MLB.com)

"You guys know what I feel for Stan. Anytime your name is in the same category as Stan that is pretty special. When I can be compared to him, I just thank God for that."

--Albert Pujols, following his 37th multi-homer game, which tied him at the top of the Cardinals' all-time list with Hall of Famer Stan Musial.
(St. Louis Globe-Democrat)

"He definitely inspired me. A triple for me is like hitting a home run for a power hitter."

--Denard Span, on getting three triples the night after Jim Thome's first triple in six years.
(MLB.com)

"I played catch [Monday], and we got rained out. A three-day vacation."

--Jeff Stevens, Cubs reliever, after being sent to Triple-A, then being recalled three days later without having gotten into a game.
(Chicago Tribune)

"I've said before, it's no secret I enjoy playing. But I also enjoy watching [Geovany Soto] play, too. He's a great talent. I even voted for him for the All-Star Game [on the players' ballots], so I have no problem caddying for him."

"You've seen 100-mph fastballs. You've seen dominant curveballs, unbelievable changeups. What's amazing is the fact he throws 100 and still has the feel to throw two other pitches for strikes any time he wants, any time in the count. This is the complete package."